Researchers are looking for young people aged 11-18 years to complete a survey to help identify the activities to include in a new therapy assessment needed to help young people discuss the activities they do, and any problems or challenges they are experiencing undertaking activities. Find out how you can help.
Researchers at York St John University are asking youth workers to share information about an important study with parents and guardians of the young people they work with, and with young people aged 18 years.
They are seeking young people aged 11-18 years to complete a survey to help identify the activities to include in a new therapy assessment. The assessment is needed to help young people discuss the activities they do, and any problems or challenges they are experiencing undertaking activities. The survey includes information about the project and the young person indicates their assent to take part in the first question. They rate the frequency in which they engage in listed activities (including self-care, domestic activities, leisure, sports, social, and learning activities). They then add any other activities, not listed in the survey, which are important to then and/or they do regularly. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes and is anonymous.
The new assessment, the Adolescent Activity Card Sort (AACS-UK) will use photographs of activities and be particularly beneficial for young people with speech impairments, learning disabilities, memory problems, or who do not have English as a first language. It will help a young person to tell their own story about the activities they need and want to do, to identify new activities they would like to try, and to help the therapists identify any barriers and facilitators to support the person to increase their independence and quality of life. The aassessment results will inform goal setting and treatment plans with young people needing occupational therapy and/or physiotherapy.
Please share this article and online survey link. Further information about the study is on the first page of the survey.
Please email the lead researcher, Professor Alison Laver-Fawcett, Professor in Occupational Therapy for further information, and/or if you are willing to share the parent/garden participant information letter with people accessing your youth service/group/programme, and/or post about the study on social media.